Dual language immersion programs have been gaining ground in the world of education. These innovative programs are designed to foster bilingualism and biliteracy, promote academic achievement, and cultivate cross-cultural competence among students. Understanding the various types can help you select the right program for you.

Two-Way Immersion Programs

Two-way immersion programs bring native English speakers and native speakers of another language together, frequently in a classroom setting. This program is designed to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and cross-cultural competencies for both groups. 

In these programs, academic content is taught in both languages, encouraging students to become proficient in both.

One-Way Immersion Programs

In one-way immersion programs, predominantly native speakers of one language are taught a second language. These programs are designed to help students develop proficiency in this second language. They provide a full immersion experience, with the primary focus being on the target language. 

This model helps students build strong linguistic and cultural skills in the second language while maintaining their first language.

Partial Immersion Programs

Partial immersion programs balance academic instruction between the native language and the target language. While not as intensive as total immersion, this model is an excellent choice for families who want their children to learn a second language but also want to keep a strong emphasis on the native language.

Full Immersion Programs

Full immersion programs deliver most academic instruction in the target language. These programs offer the highest level of exposure to the second language, with the objective of students reaching high proficiency levels in this language. 

Gradually, they balance instruction between the two languages, allowing students to develop strong skills in both languages.

Strand-Within-School Programs

Strand-within-school programs incorporate immersion education within a larger school environment where the primary language of instruction is English. These programs allow a group of students to learn curriculum content in a second language as part of their regular school day.

Not all school programs have such immersive options as a stand-within-school program.

Content-Enriched Programs

In content-enriched programs, academic content is taught in the second language, but English instruction is also provided. This way, students can learn a second language while staying on track with English language development.

Transitional Bilingual Programs

Transitional bilingual programs cater primarily to students who are not native English speakers. These programs use the student's native language for instruction while providing supplementary English instruction. The ultimate goal is to transition the student fully into English-medium instruction over a few years.

Contact a local school to learn more about dual language immersion.